ISHS Acta Horticulturae 533: VIII International Symposium on Timing Field Production in Vegetable Crops
CELL SHAPE, TRANSPLANT AGE, CULTIVARS AND YIELD IN BROCCOLI |
| Authors: | G. Damato, L. Trotta |
| Keywords: | Brassica oleracea, var. italica, holding period, timing of production |
| Abstract:
Inverted truncated cone shape (TC), inverted truncated pyramidal shape (TP) and inverted pyramidal shape with four radial grooves (TPG), three holding periods (0, 7 and 14 days) were evaluated on the growth of transplants and the yield characteristics of three broccoli cultivars (Gran Vert, XPH 4142 and ML 423). Seeds were sown on August 9, 1990 and transplanted at the optimal stage (three true leaves), 7 and 14 days later. Transplants grown in TPG at optimal planting were higher and spindly; seedlings planted 7 days after the optimal stage showed higher shoot dry weight, root dry weight and leaf expansion; those planted the latest had lower root length and root density. Thirty days after planting the latest planted seedlings from TPG were heavier and with more leave expansion. Cell shape did not influence yield and time of harvest. Holding period had a significant effect on yield characteristics and time of harvest of central heads (CH). The latest planting reduced weight, marketable yield, hollow stem and bractiness. ‘Gran Vert’, ‘XPH4142’ and holding period provided a continuous supply of product to the factory from November 10 to January 10, but did not permit to produce broccoli in the second fortnight of January and in February. ‘Gran Vert’ and ‘ML 423’ were the earliest and latest cultivars, respectively. ‘XPH 4142’ and ‘Gran Vert’ were the most and least productive (11.6 vs. 8.7 t ha-1). ‘Gran Vert’ showed smaller bud size and no hollow stem, whereas the lowest percentage of bractiness was noticed with ‘HPH 4142’. | |
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